IIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKIIIII 



PR 3557 
.PI 
1903 
Copy 1 





Rook l^ — 



f*p 



DoDD, Mead & Company's 
Facsimile Reprints of Rare Books 

Literature Series^ No. I 

Milton's "Comus/' 1637 



This Edition is limited to Five Hundred and 'Twenty 
Copies, of which Twenty are on Japan paper 



COMUS 

"A Maske Presented at Ludlow 
Castle, 1634" 

By TOHN MILTON 

Reproduced in Facsimile from the First 
Edition of 1637 

With an Introductory Note by 
Luther S. Livingston 



NEW YORK 

DODD, MEAD £5' COMPANY 

1903 






h\ 



o 



Introductory Note 

MILTON'S little play Comus^ the first edition of 
which is herewith reproduced in facsimile, is the 
author's first book and, after Paradise Lost^ is con- 
sidered his most important work. In this first edition, as 
will be seen, it is called simply " A Maske presented at 
Ludlow Castle," etc., and in the two collected editions of 
Milton's minor Poems published during his lifetime, the 
first in 1645 ^"^ ^he second in 1673, ^^^ ^'^^^ '^ '^^ same. 
Comus^ the name of one of the principal characters, was, it 
seems, given to the " Maske " by some later editor. 

At the time Comus was written and acted, '' 1634, on 
Michaelmasse Night," the 29th of September, Milton was 
in his twenty-sixth year. Although he had already written 
a number of pieces both in English and Latin, only one 
had, apparently, been printed. This was his little poem of 
sixteen lines, Jn Epitaph on the Admirable Dramatick Poet^ 
W. Shakespeare^ which is found, but without author's name, 
among the prefatory verses in the Second Folio, printed in 
1632. 

Even when this little play was printed in 1637 Milton 
seems to have been diffident about acknowledging the 
authorship. It was very probably printed with his per- 
mission, as the motto on the title, from Virgil, was evi- 
dently selected by him. Masson paraphrases this : 

"Ah ! wretched and undone ! Myself to have brought 
The wind among my flowers ! " 

The dedication, it will be noticed, is written and signed 
by H. Lawes, whose reason for printing is said to be " that 



Introductory Note 

the often copying of it hath tir'd my pen to give my 
severall friends satisfaction," This Lawes was one of the 
most famous composers of music of the time in England, 
and it was under his direction and to his music that the 
" Maske " was produced at Ludlow Castle. The occasion 
was the celebration of the entry of the Earl of Bridgewater 
upon the Welsh Presidency, and the place was the Great 
Hall of Ludlow Castle, in which, according to tradition, 
the elder of the two Princes murdered in the Tower had 
been proclaimed King, with the title of Edward V, before 
commencing his fatal journey to London. 

The play contains six speaking parts only. Of these, 
the most important, " The Attendant Spirit," was taken by 
Lawes, the director of the play and author of the music. 
The part of " The Lady " was taken by Lady Alice 
Egerton, youngest daughter of the Earl, then about fifteen 
years of age. The parts of the " Elder Brother " and the 
"Second Brother" were played by the two younger brothers 
of Lady Alice, Viscount Brackley, to whom this printed 
edition is dedicated, and Mr. Thomas Egerton. These two 
young noblemen had already had a taste of stage acting, 
having taken juvenile parts in Carew's Caelum Britannicum^ 
which had been performed the previous February in the 
royal Banqueting-house at Whitehall, in which the King 
himself, Charles I, took part. 

The stage-copy, or one of them, perhaps in Lawes' own 
autograph, is still preserved in the library at Bridgewater 
House, and the music of five of the six songs, in Lawes' 
own autograph, is in the British Museum. 

An earlier draft of the poem in Milton's own handwriting 
is preserved in the Library of Trinity College, Cambridge, 
in that precious thin folio of forty-six pages (besides eight 
blank pages), mostly in Milton's own hand, and containing 
all but a few of the minor English Poems. 

The first edition is, needless to say, very rare, only one 
copy having been offered at auction in America. That, a 
fine one, bound by Matthews, brought $425.00 in the Ives 

[vi] 



Introductory Note 

sale in 1891. A copy sold at Sotheby's in 1894, in the 
sale of the library of Sir Joseph Hawley, brought ;^I23, 
and another in 1899, from the library of the Rev. William 
Makellar, brought ^^150. This latter copy is now in the 
library of Mr. E. D. Church, of New York city. We are 
indebted to him for the privilege of making this facsimile. 

L. S. L. 



[vil] 



A MASKE 

PRESENTED 

At Ludlow Caftle, 

1654' 

On (^ITidkhaelmaJJe night ^ hefore the 

Right Honorable, 

loHN ^arte of Bridgewater :> V icouniBK AcynLY^ 

Lord Tr^fdentofWALEs , And one of 

His MAtESTiEsmofi honorable 

Privie CounicIL 



Ehen qmd'volm mifero mtki / fiorihus aujlrum 
Ferditffs 



LONDONy 

Printed for Hvmphrey Robinson, 

at the fignc of the Three Pidgeom in 
fmh Chunh-^^rd, i *^ 3 7. 



TO THE RIGHT 

HO :;^0%AB.LE, 
lOHN Lord Vicount BRACLY, 

Son and heire apparent to the Earle, 
of ^^ridgc^acr y i^c. 

My L o rd. 

His Toem , if^^hich receivd ns 
\firfl occafton of birth from jour 
\felfey and others of your noble 
fami/ie, and much honour from 
J our oivn Terfon in the performance, no)V 
returns againe to maJ^ a pnali dedication 
ofitfelfe tojOH. Jit hough not openly 
ack^ioy^ledg'd by the Author, jiet it ts a^ 
legitimate of^^ring , fo lonely , and fo 
much de fired, that the often copying of 
it hath tird my pen to giye mj Jeyerall 

A z friends 




The Epiftle Dedicatoric. 
friends fatufaUion , and brought me to a 
neccfiitie of producing it to th^ public^ 
vierp • andno'W to offer it up in all rightfuU 
deyotion to tho/e /aire hopes , and rare 
Endoypments of jour much^promijing 
Ymthj yphichgiye a full a/Jurance , to all 
that kffoypyou^ ^ a future excellence. 
Liyefweet Lord to be the houour of jour 
3^(jme , and receive this as jour oivne^ 
from the hands of him ^ ypho hath bj many 
fa'))Ours beene long obligd to jour moU 
honour dTarents^ and as in thisrepra^ 
fentationjour attendant Thyrfis^y^ noi» 
in all reall exprefion 

Your &it1ifull , and moft 
humhh Seryant 9 



(O 




A MASKE 

PERFORMED BEFORE 

the P/aefident of VV ales 
at Ludlow 3 1654. 

The firft Scene difcovers a wild 
wood. 

Tie Aiundant Spirit de funds cr emtrs, 

BEfore the ftarrie tlirc(hold of loves Court 
My manfion is , where thofc immorcal I fhapes 
Of bright aercall Spirits live infphear'd 
In Regions mild of calme and (creaeaire. 
Above the (moake and ftirre of this dim fpot 
Which men call Earth, and with low.thoughted carc 
Confin'd, and pcfterM in this pin.fold here ., 
Strive to keepe up a fraile, and feavcrifh being 
Vnmindfull of the crowne that Vertue gives 
After this mortall change to her true Servants 
AmongH: the enthroned gods on Sainted feats. 
Yet fome there be that by due ftcps afpire 



B 



to 



To lay their juft haads on that golden key 

That ©PC's the palace of iEtcrnity ; 

To fach my errand island but forfuch 

I would not foile thel^ pure ambrofial weeds 

With the ranck vapours of this Sin-worfie mould. 

But to my task. Neptune befides the fway 
Of every fait Flood, and each ebbing Streamc 
Tooke in mylot'twixt high, a^dneather/o^'c 
Imperial rule of all the Sea-girt Ifes 
That like to rich, and various gemms inlay 
The unadorned bofomeofthcDeepe, 
Which he to grace his tiibutarie gods 
By courfe commits to (everall government 
And gives them leave to weare their Saphireerovvris, 
And weild their little tridents, but thisf He 
The greateH-, and the beft of ^11 the maine 
He quarters to his blu-hair'd deities, 
Andall this tra<5l that frontsthe falling Sun 
A noble Peere of miekle truft , and power 
Has in his charge, with temper'd awe to guide 
An old, and hacghtie Nation proud in Armes r 
Where his faire off-rpring nurs'rin Princely lOre 
Are commihgto attend thdr Fathers ftate. 
And ncw-entrufted Seepter , bat their way 
Lies through the perplex't paths ofthrs dreare wood. 
The nodding horror of whol^ fhadie brows 
Threats the fdrlome and wandrlng PafHnger. 
And here theirtender age might fu^tr periil 
But that by qu ck command from Soveraigne/iW^ 
I was difpatcht for theJr defence, and guard^ 
And liftcn why, for I will tell yee now 
Whatne vcr yet was heard m Tale or Song 

Trom 



EromoW, or ir.oderpe Bard JD MJ^or bowrc^ 
Bacchus that firft from out the purpla Crape 
Cruihlrthe fwect poyfon of mif-uied Wine 
Afterthe 7ufcan Mariners transform'cJ 
Coafling, the Tyrrhene flioxe, as the ynr\d% lifted^ 
On CircesWzm fell (whol^nowcs not Circe 
the daughter of the Sun ^ wh'ofe charmed Cap 
Whoever taftcd Idft his upr%ht iliape. 
And downward fell into a grovhng Swine ) 
Thi$ Nj^mph that gaz'd upop his cluftring locks 
With I vie berries wreath'd, and his blith youth 
Had by him, ere he parted rhencej^a Son . 
Much like his Father^ but his Mother moire. 
Whom therefore flie broyght up an<^ Comu^ natn'd , 
Who ripe, and frolicjc of his full growne ag6 
Reaving the Cdtick, and lberU» fields 
At lafi: betakes hini to this ominous vvood , 
Andin thick fhelter of black fhades imbowrH 
jExcells his Mother at her m^htie!Art 
OiFring to every w^arie Trayailer 
His orient liquor in a Chryflall glafle 
To quench the drouth of Phiebu^, which as they tafl 
(For moft doe taft through fond intemperate thirft ) 
Soone as the Potion ^orks, their humane count^ance 
Th'eicprede refemblance of the gods is chang'd 
Into fbmc.brurifli forme of Wolrc, or Bcare 
Or Ounce, or Tiger,' Hog, or bearded t^o^t. 
All other parts rem^aining as they were , 
And they , fo perfect ip tlicrir niifcrie , 
Not once perceive their foule disfigurement^ 
But boaft themfelvcs morccomely then before 
And all their friends's an^dnativehonie forget 

B a Td 



C4V 

To roule w£tb plcafiirc fa afcnfiiall (lie. 
Therefore when any fevour'd of high leve 
Chances to pafTe Through this adventrous gladc, 
Swift as the Sparkle of a glancing Star re 
I fhoote from heav'n togme him fafe convoy, 
As now I <foe : butfirftlmuft put off 
Thefemy skie robes fpun oucof Iris wooffe, 
And take the weeds and likeneffe of a S vvaine, 
That to the fervice of this^houfe belongs. 
Who with his foft Pipe, and fmooth-dittied Song, 
Well knows to flilllhe wild winds when they roare. 
And hufli the waving woods, nor of leiTe faith. 
And in this officcof his Mountaine watch, 
Likelieff, and neerefttothe prefentaide 
Of this oceafion. But I heare the tread 
Of hateful! fkps, I muft bcA^iewlcfTc now. 

Comus enters with a ChArming rod in.ontJ hand, 
hit Glaff^^ it} thc^ other , with him a.r$ut of 
LZtonfters headed like, fundry forts ofmldeBitifis^ 
hut otherrvife like iMcHAttd Women y their a^fareU 
glifringy they come iit waking a riotous affd "vnru* 
Ij noife, r^ith Torches in their hands* 

Comu^<. The ftarre that bids the Shepheard foM, 
Now the top ofheav'n doth hold. 
And the gilded Garrcof Day 
His glowing Axle doth allay^ 
In the flcepe t^tlantik ftreame, 
And the flope Sun his upward beamc 
Shoots againft the duskie Pole , 
Pacing toward the other golc 

Of 



OFhis Chamber iq the Had. 

Meanc while welcome Joy, and Fcai^j 

Midnight (hout, and revelne, 

Tipfie dance, and Jollitic:. 

Braid your Lqc^cs with rofieTwIne^ 

Dropping odours, dropping Wine. 

Rigor now is gone to bed. 

And Advice with fcrupuloushead ^ 

Stri<^t Age, and fowre Severitie 

W4th their graue Sawes in (lumber lie. 

We that are of puier fire, 

Immitate the ftarrie quire. 

Who intheir nightly watehfull Sphearcs, 

Lead in fwift round the Months and Yeares, 

The Sounds; and Seas with all their fTrmie'drovej 

Now to the Moone in wavering Morrice moves 

And on the.tawny fands and ihelves. 

Trip the pert Fairies and the dapper Elvci} 

By dimpled Brooke, and Fountaine brim^ 

The Wood-nymphs deckt with daidestrim^ 

Their merry wakes, and paftimes kcepe. 

What hath night to doe with fleepe t 

Night hath I^ter fweets to prove. 

Ferns now wakes, and wakens Love^ 

Come let us our rights begin 

'Tis onelydayjight that makes Sin 

Which thefe dun fliades will ne're report. 

Haile GoddelTe of Nodlurnall fport 

V^rli'VzM Cctym, t'whom thefecret ffamc 

Of mid.night Torches burnes 5 myfterious Dame 

That nc'rc at calfd, but when the Dragon wobme 

Of Stygian darknefle fpets her thickcft gloomc 



i6) 

Andmalccs one blot of all the aire. 

Stay thy clowdie £^o/f cha're,^ 

Wherein rhou rld'fl: with He cap'., and befriend 

Vs thy vow'd Prlefls, till utmofl: end 

Of all thy dues be done , and none left out 

Ere the blabbing EaBcrne fcout 

The nice Morne on t\\lnJian fteepe 

From her cabin'd Joop hole peepe , 

And to the tcLtale Sun difcry 

Our conceal'd Solemnity.. 

Come, knit hands, and beate the ground 

In a light -fantaftick round. 

jhe (Jltcaffire. 

Breajce off, bj-eake off, I ftdQ tl\Q different pace 
Offome.chart: footing neere about this ground. 
Run to your fhrouds, within thefc Brakes, and Trees 
Our number may affright : . Some Virgin fure 
(For ^o I can diftinguifli by mine Art) 
Benighted in thefc woods. Nowio m.y charmes 
And to my wilie trains, I iliall e'relong 
Be well ftock't with as fairea Heard as graz'd 
About my Mother Ctrce. Thus I hurle 
My dazltng Spells into the fpungie aire 
Of power to cheate the eye with bleare illufion, 
And give it falfe prcfentments, leil: the place 
And my queint habits breed aftonifhment , 
And put the Damfel to fufpicious flight, 
Which mun:"notbe,fbr that's again ft my courfe , 
J under faire pr^tents of friendly ends. 
And weJ plac'r words of glozin^ courtefie 
Baited wj^ reafbasnotunplaufible 

Wind 



(7) 

Wind me Into the eafie hearted itwn ^ 
And hug hm into fnares ; when once her eye 
Hath met the ver tue of this Magick duft, 
I fball appeare feme harmlelTe Villager 
Whom thrift kecpesup about his Country gerirc? 
But here (lie comes, I fairly ftep afide 
And hearken , if I may , her buifnefle here. 

T^hi Ladie enters. 

This way the noife was, if mine eare be true 

My beft guide now, me thought it was the found 

Of Riot, and ill managed Merriment, 

Such as the jocond Flute, orgamefome Pipe 

Stirs up among the loofe unlcter'd Hinds 

When for their teeming FJocks, mid granges full 

In wantondance they praifc tl>e bounteous Pan, 

And thanke the gods amifle. I fhould be loath 

To meet the rudenefle, and fwill'd infolencc 

Of fuoh latie WalTailers ; yet 6 where elfe 

Shall I informe my unacquainted feet 

In the blind mazes of this tangled wood f 

My Brothers when they faw me wearied out 

With thislong way,'refolving here to lodge 

Vnder the fpreading favour of thefe Pines 

Stept as they fe'd to the next Thicket fide 

To bring me Berries, or fuch cooling fruit 

As the kind hofpitable woods provide. 

They left me then, when the gray-hooded Ev*n 

like a fad Votaiifl: in Palmers weeds* 

Rofe from the hindmoft wheels of Phcehtts waine. 

But where they are, and why they came not bacic 

Is now the labour of my thoughts, 'tis likelieft 

They 



(3) 

They had ingag^dtheir wandrir^ fteps too far. 
And envious darknefTc^ie're they could returne, 
Had.ftolne them fronume , clCe 6 thecviih Night 
Why fliouldft thou, but for fome fclionious end 
In thy darke lanterne thu$ cio(e up the .Stars, 
That nature hung in Heav'n, ^nd fill'd their lamps 
With everlailing oileto give due light 
To the mifled , and lonely Tj-availer. 
This is the place, as well a§ I may guefle 
Whence even now the tumult of loud Miith 
Was fife, and perfe($l in my liflening eare , 
Yet nought but fingle darkneflfe doe I find. 
What might this be ^ a thoufaiKl fanta&s 
Begin to throng into my memorle 
Of calJing;ihape6,and.beckning (hadows dire. 
And ayrie tongues , that fyllable mens names 
On Sands, and Shoars ,and defert WildernefJes. 
Thefe thoughts may ftartle well, but not aftound 
The vertuous^mind, that ever walks attended 
By a ftrong fiding champion Confcience. • ■ » 

welcome pure- ey'd Faith, white-handed Hope 
Thou flittering Angel girt with golden wing$^ 
And thou unbicmifh't.forme of Chaftitie 

1 fee yce viiibly, and now^beleeve 

That he, the Supreme good, t'whom alUhingrill 
Are but as flavilli officers of vengeance 
Would fend a gliftring Guardian if need were 
To keepc my life, and honour unaffaii'd. 
Was I deceiv'd , or did a fable cloud 
Turne forth her (liver lining on the night e 
I did not erre, there docs a fables cloud 
Turne forth her filver lining on the night 

And 



(p) 

And cafts a gleamc over this tufted Grove. 
I cannot hallow to my Brothers , bar 
Such noife as I can make to be heard fardeft 
He venter, for my new ehliv'nd fpirits 
Prompt mej and they perhaps aire nat farre off. 

Sweet icBo , frvcetefl TTjmph that liv'/t u/?feef$e 
Withiti thy ayriejleU 

Byjlfiv Mc2Lndcv*s marge;^t gnene, 
i^rtd in the viokt'tmhroiderd vde 

when the love-lotne Nightingale 
Nightly to thee her fid So}}g mourmth v»it!, 

Canli thsn not tell me of n gentle Paire 
That tJkcfi thy Narcifliis 4fe/ 

O if thou have 
Hid ikem in fome fiorvrie Cave, 
Tell yne but where 
Sweet ^eenofParlie, Daughter &f the Sf hate ^ 
So main tho:ibetra)fflated to the skies , 
And give repunding grace to all Heav'ns Harmctties^ 

Com, Can any mortal! mtxtnrc of Eirths mould 
Breath fuch Divine inchatrting ravifhmertt? 
Sure fomething holy lodges in that brefl. 
And with thefe raptures moves the vocal aire 
To teftifie his hidden refidence; 
How fweetly did they float upon the wings 
Of Silence, through the emptie- vaulted night 
At every fallfmoothing the Raven do wne 
Of daricneiTe till /he fmil'd : I have oft beard 

C My 



do) 

My mother Cine with the Sirefiithrcc 

Amidft the fiowrk-kirtl'd Hgiades 

Culling their Potent hearbs , and b^lefull drug^s 

Who as they fung , wOuld take the prifon'd faule 

And lap \tm Ely fitmf Scy//a wept. 

And chid her barking waves into attention , 

And fell Charybdis murmurM Toft applaufe : 

Yet they in pleaiing flumber lull'd the kn^Q 

And in iweet madnefTe rob'd it of it fclfe. 

But fuch a facred, and home-fck delight^. 

Such lober certainty of waking blilTe 

I never heard till now. lie fpeake to her 

And fhe fliall be my Qucene. Haile forreine wonder 

Whom certaine thefe rou^h flwdes did never breed 

VnlefTe the Goddeft that ia rurallibrine 

Dwell'ft here with Pan^ or Silvan, by bleft Song 

Forbidding every bkake unkindly Fog 

To touch the profperoos growth of this tall wood. 

La. Nay gentle Shepherd ill is loft thatpraife 
That is addrcll toxmattcnding Eares ^ 
Not any boaft of skill, but extrcame fhift 
How to regaine my kvQt'd companie 
Compeird me to awake the courteous Echo 
To give me dnfwer from her moffic Couch. 

Ca>- What chance good Ladie hath bereft yOuthus f 
La» Dim darknefle^ and this kavrc Labyrinth". 
O. Could that divide you from neere-ufliering 
La. Theyleftmewcaryonagraflieterfe. (guidesf 
Co. By falfliood, or difcourtefie, or why < 
La. To feeke i'th vally /bme coble fi-iendlySpring* 
Co, And left your faire (ide all unguarded Ladie i 
L&. They were but twain, & pwrpos'd quick return. 



(") 

Co, Perhaps fbre-ftalling night pra?vcnted thcmr 
La. Howeafie my misfortune isio hie ! 
Co. Imports their lofTe, bcfide the pr^jefent need i 
La, No leile then if I Ihould my brothers lofc, 
Co, Wei« 'they ot manly primc,or youthful bloomf 
La, As fmooth i% Hebe's their unrazord lips. 
Co, Two filch 1 faw, what time the laboured Oxe 
In his looie traces from the furrow came , 
And the fwink't hedger at his Supper fate ^ 
I faw them under agrecne mantling vine 
That crawk along the fide of yon fir.all hill ^ 
Plucking ripe clufters from the tender fl^ioots. 
Their port was more then humaines as they flood^ 
I tooke it for a faerie vifion 
Of fome gay creatures of the element 
That in the colours of the Rainbow live 
And play i'th plighted clouds , I was aw-ftrooke j 
And as I paft, I worfliipt; if thofe you feekc 
It were a journy like the path to heav'n 
To helpe you find them. La. Gentle villager 
What readied way would bring me to that place ? 
Co, Due weft it rifes from this fhrubbic point. 
La, To find out that good fliepheard I &ppoic 
In fuch a fcant allowance of ftarre light 
Would overtask the be ft land-pilots art 
Without the fureguefle of well-pra(5^i2'd feet, 

Co, I know each lane, and ^veiy alley grecnc 
Dingle , or buftiie dell of this wild wood. 
And every boskic bourne from fide to Mc 
My dayhe walks-andancient neighbourhood. 
And if your Aray attendance beyetlodg'd 
Or fhioud within thcle limits, I fti:^ll know 

C 2 Ere 



Ere morrow walce, or the low-roofted larke 

From herthach'c palate rowfe^ if otherwife 

I can condud you Ladie to a low 

But loyall cottage ^ where you may be fafe 

Till further quclt'. La:, Shcpheard I take thy wopd^ 

And truft thy honeft ofFer'd courtcfie. 

Which oft is fooner found in lowly fheds 

With fmoakie rafters, then in tapiirie halls, 

And courts of Princes, where it iirft was nam 'd^ 

And yet is moft pr^cndcd : in a plaee 

Lefle warranted thtn this, or lefle fecure 

I cannot be, that I {hould fearc to change it^ 

Eye meycfl: Providence, and fquarc my triall 

To my proportion'd fltcngtha 5hephcard lead on.-^ 

TlfS trvo Brothers, 

eU k/Q, Vnmuffie yec faint ft arSjand thou fair mOGii 
That wontft to love the travailers benizon 
Stoope thy pale vifage thioagh an amber cloud 
And didnheiit Cha$s,Xhai raigns here 
In double night-of darkneife, and of (hades j 
Or if your iiifluencebe quite damm'd up 
With black iifurpiogmifts, Tome genile taper 
Though a lufli candk.from the wicker hole 
Of foirie clay habitation vifit us 
With thy long Icv^ll'd rule of ftreaniing light 
And thou flialtbc our flarre of x^rcadte 
Or T'^rjan Cynofure. 2 tro. Or if our cye$ 
Bcbarr d that happineCTe, might we but hearic 
The folded flocks pen'd in their watled cotes. 
Or found of paftoral reed with oaten (^ops. 
Or whifilc flom the LodgCg or village cOck 

Coum 



03) 

Countthe ftight watches to his featherie" Dames , 
T'would be lomc folace yet , fomc little cheating 
In this clofe dungeon of innumerous bowes. 
But 6 that haplcfTe virgin our loft fifter 
Where may fhc wander now , whethct betake her 
From the chill dew, amongft rude burs and thirties ? 
Perhaps feme cold banke is her boulfter now 
Or 'gainft the rugged barke of fomc broad Elme 
Leans her unpiilow'd head fraught wuh fad fears. 
What if in wild amazement, and affright 
Or while we fpeake within the direfull grafpc 
Of Savage hunger, or of Savage heatf 

Sid: bro. Peace brother, be not over exquificc 
To caft the falhion of uncertaine evils ^ 
Tor grant they be fo , while they reft unknowne 
What ne^d a man foreftall his date of gricfe 
And run to meet what he would moft avoid ^ 
Ojf if they be but falfe alarms of Feare 
How bitten: is fuch felfc-delufion f 
I doe not thinke my fiftcr fo tofeeke 
Or fo unprincipl'd in venues book 
And the fwcet peace that goodnefte boforas ever 
As that the (ingle want of light , and noife 
(Not being in danger, .as 1 truft ftie is not) 
Could ftir the conft ant mood of hcrcalme thoughts 
And put them into mifbecomming plight. 
Vertue could fee to doe what vertue would 
By her cwneradiant light, though Sun and Mo')n 
Were in the flat Sea funck ^ and Wifdomsfelfc 
Oft feeks to fwcet retired Solitude 
Where with her beft nurle Contetuplation 
She plum.es her feathers, and lets grow her v^'ings 

C 5 That 



(14) 
Thatin the various buftle of rdbrt 
Were all to ruffl'd , and fometimes impaired. 
He that has light within his owne cleere brcft 
May fit i'th center^ and enjoy bright day^ 
But he that hides a darke foule , and foule thoughts 
Benighted walks under the miiday Sun, 
Himielfe is his owne dungeon. 

2. Bro, 'lis moft true 
That mufing meditation mofl: aflfc^^s 
The Penfive fecrecie of dcfcrt cell 
Farre from the cheercfull haunt of men , and heards. 
And fits as fafeas in a Senat houfe 
Forwbo would rob an Hermit of his weeds 
His few books, or his beades , or maple difli, 
Or doe his gray hairs any violence < 
Butbeautie hke the faireHefperian tree 
Laden with.blooming gold , had need the guard 
Of dragon watch with unmchanted eye 
To fave her blolToms , and defend her fruit 
From the rafh hand of boldlficontinence. 
You may as well fpread out the unfun'd heaps 
Ofmifers treafure by an outlaws dca 
And tell me it is fafe^ as bid me hope 
Danger will winke on opportunitic 
And let a (ingle helpleffe may dee paflc 
Vninjiir'd in this wild furrounding waft* 
Of night, or lonelynefTe it recks me not 
I feaie the drcd events that do^ them both, 
left fame iU greeting touch attempt the perfon 
Of our unowned fiftcr. 

Eld, Bro. I doe not brother 
Inferrc , as if I thought my fiilers Hate 

Secure 



(15) 

Secure without all doubt , or controvcr fie : 
Yet where an equall poife of hope, and fcarc 
Does arbitrate th'cvent , ray nature is 
That I enclitic to hope , rather then feare 
And gladly banifli fquint fufpicion. 
My filler is notfo defencelefTc left 
As you imagine , flic has a hidden ftrength 
Which you remember not, 

2. ^ff». \V hat hidden ftrengrh 
VnlefTe the ftrength of heav'n , if meane that -f 

Eld, Bro, I meanethattoojbutyct a hidden ftrcngth 
\V hich if heav n gave it, may be term'd her owne .• 
'Tis chaflitie, my brother, chaftitie ; 
She that has that, is clad in compleat fteele. 
And like a quiver'd nymph witharroweskeene 
May trace huge forrefts , and unharbour'd heaths 
Infamous hills , and fandie perilious wilds 
Where through the facred rays of chaftitie 
No favage fierce , bandite , oi* mountaneetd 
Will dare to foyle her virgin puritie 
Yea there, where very defolation dwells 
By grots , and caverns Oiag'd with horrid fhades - 
She may pa(rc on with unblench't majertie 
Beit not done in pride, or in prefumption. 
Some fay.no evil! thing that v/alks by mght 
In fog, or fire, by lake , or moori/li fen 
Blew meager hag, or ftubborne unlay dghoft 
That breaks \\i<> magicke chaines at curfeu time 
No goblin, or fwart Faerie of the mine 
Has hurrfuU power ore true virginity. 
Doeyee beleeve me yet , or (liall I call 
Antiquity from the old fchools of Greece 

To 



To tcftifictheai'raes ofGhaflitie^ 

Hence had the huntrelTe B't^n her dred bow 

lairc filver-fliafled Queene for ever chaft 

Wherewith we tam'd the brinded lionefTe 

And fpotted mountaine pard , but fet at nought 

The frivolous bolt oiCupd, gods and men 

Pear'd her (lerne fro\viie,& (he was queen oth' wood^. 

What was that fnakie hc^^dtd argon (lieild 

That wife Minerva wore ,. unconquer'd virgin 

Wherewith fhe freez'd her foes to congeal'd flonef 

But rigid looks of Chafi: aufteritie 

And noble grace that dalTi't brute violence 

With fiidden adoration , and blancke aw. 

So deare to heaV'o is faintly chailitie 

That when a foule is found fincerely fo , 

A thoufand liveriedangels kckie her 

Driving farre oif each thing of ^nne, and guilt. 

And in dee red ream e, and fblemne vifiofr 

Tell her ofthings that no groffe earecan heare, 

Till oft converge with heavenly habitants 

Begin to caft a bearoe on th' outward fhape 

The unpolluted temple of the mind 

And tiirncsitbydegrc'estothe fouls eflcnce 

Till all bee made immortalls but when luft 

By unchafl look$,loofe geftures, and foulc talkc 

But moft by leud , and lavifh ad of (in 

Lets in defilement to the inward parts , 

The foule growes clotted by contagion , 

Imbodie;, and imbrutes , till fhe quite loofe 

The divine propcrtie of her lirft being. 

Such are thofe thick , and gloomic (hadows damp 

Oft fccne in Charnell vaiiits^ and Sepulchers 

Hovering^ 



(17) 

Hovering 5 and fitting by a new maJe grave 
As loath to, leave the body that it lov'd. 
And link't it felfc by carhall Tenfualitie 
To a degenerate and degraded ftate, 

2 Br$. How charming is divine Philpfophie ! 
Not harfli, and crabbed as dull fools fuppofe. 
Bat muficall as is Jpollo's lure. 
And a perpetual 1 feaft of ne(5lar'd fweets 
Where no crude furfet raigns. Ehhrc, Liftjifl I hears 
Some farre off hallow breake the illent aire. 

2 Bro, Me thought fo too, what fliould it be f 

Eld: bro. For certaine 
Either fome one like us night foundefd here. 
Or elfe fome neighbour wood man, or at worft 
Some roaving robber calling to his fellows. 

2 Bro. Heav'n keepe my filler, agen agen and neere,, 
Bert draw , and ftand upon our guard o 

Eld: bro, Ilehallow, 
If he be friendly he comes well, if not 
Defence is a good caufe^and Heav'n be for \xs. 

7 he attendmt Sprit habited like ajhcfheard. 

That hallow I fLould know, what are you, fpeake. 
Come not too neere, you fall on iron (lakes elfe. 
Spir, What voice is thatjmy yong Lord:" fpeak agcn» 
2 Bro, O brother 'tis my father Sliep heard /ure. 
Eldr hrd. Jhjrfisf whofc^rtfull drains have oft ^q- 
The huddling brook to heare hismadrigale , {}id,ydL 
And fweeten'd every musVrofe of the dale, 
How cam'0 thou heregood Swaine, hath any ram 
Slip't from the fold , or yong kid lofl: his dam. 
Or flraggling weather the pent flock forfook , 

D How 



(i8) 

How couldft thon find this darke fequeftcr'd ftoo^ f 
Spr, O my lov'd niaflers heire, and his next joy 
I came not here on fuch a triviall toy 
As a ftrayd Ewe^ or to purfue the (Icalth 
Of pilfering wolfe, not all the fteccic vveakK 
That doth enrich ^dt downs is worth a thought: 
To this my errand, and the care it brought* 
But 6 my virgin Ladie where i^fhe, 
How chance ihe is not in your com panic ? 

Eld.'hro^'Xo tell theefadly fliepheard^without blame 
Or our neglci^^j wee^ loft her as wee camCo 
Spr. Aye me unhappic then my fears are trwe. 
Eld: hn. What fears good Thjrfts ? prethec brictly 
Sfir.. lie tell you, 'tis not vaine, or fabulous (|]:{cw, 
(Though fo eftecm'd by ihallow ignorance) 
What the fage Poets taught by th'heav'nly Mufs 
Storied of old in high immGrtall verfe 
Of dire Chimems and inchanted lies 
And rifted rocks whofe entrance leads to hcllj 
For fuch there be, but unbdicfe is blind. 

Within the navill of this hideous wood 
Immuf d in cyprelTc Oiades a Sorcerer dwells 
Qi'BMchm^ and of Cine borne, great C^mm^ 
, Deepe skilFd in all his mothers witclicncs. 
And here to every thirfiie wanderer 
By flie enticement gives his banefull c]2p 
With many murmurs mixt, whofe pleafing poifon 
The vifage quire transforms of him that drinks. 
And the inglorious likencfTe of a beaft 
Fixes indead , unmouldingreafons mintage* 
Chara<5^er'dinrhe face; this have 1 ]earn*t 
Tending my (locks hard by i'th hilly croi^s 

Tha? 



(19) 

.That brow th^bottome glade ,. whence night by nlglit 

He and his monflious rout are heard to howlc 

Like ftabrd wolves, or tigers at their prey 

Doing abhorred rites to Necate 

In their obfcui^d haunts of inmoO: bowres. 

Yet have they many baits , and guilcFull ipells 

T'inveigle , and invite th'unwarie [caCc 

Of them that paffe unweeting by the way. 

This evening late by then the chewing flocks 

Had ra'ne their fupper on the favourie hcrbe 

Of Knot-grafs dew-befprent^ and were in fold 

I fate me downe to watch upon a bank 

With ivie canopied, and interwove 

\Vith flaunting hony.fuckle, and begaR 

Wrapt in a pleafing fit oi melancholy 

To meditate ray rural rainflrelfie 

Till fancie had her fill 5 but ere a clofe 

The wonted roarc V^^s up amidfl the woods. 

And filld the aire with barbarous diffonancc 

At which I ceas't,andliflen d them a while 

Till an unufuall fl:op of fudden filence 

Gave refpit to the drowfie frighted deeds 

That draw the litter of clpfe-curtain'd fleepc. 

At laft a ibft, aad-lblemhe breathing found 

Kofc like a fteame of rich diftill'd Perfumes 

And Aoic upon the aire , that even Silence 

Was tooke e'rc flie^was ware , and wifli't flie might 

Deny her , naturae, and be never more 

Still to be fo difptac't. I was all eare , 

And took in drains that might create a foule 

Vnder the ribs of Death , but 6 ere long 

Too well I &id perceive it was the voice 

Dz Of 



(20) 

Of my mod honoured Lady your deare fiflen 
Amaz d I ftood, harrow'd with griefeand fcare. 
And 6 poere ha^kfTe nightingale thought I 
How fweet thou fing'^ , how neerethe deadly foare t 
Then downethe lawns I ran with headlong haft- 
Through paths, and turnings often trod by day 
Till guided by mine care I found the place 
Where thardamd wilardhidin {liedifguifc 
(For fo by certain %ns I knew) had met 
Afreadie, ere my beft fpeed could praevent 
The aidlefTe innocent Ladie his wil>i't prey. 
Who gently ask't if he bad feene fuch two 
Suppofing him fome neighbour. villager 5 
Longer Ldurft- not ftay, butfoone I gucfs't 
Yee were the two flie mean'r^ withthar I fprung 
Into fwift flight till I had found you here, 
But farther know I not. 2 Bro, O night and (hade-s- 
How are yte joyn'd withtiell in triple knot 
Againrt tVunarm^d^weakncfTeof one virgin 
Alone, and helpfeOe ! i^ this the confidence 
You gave mebrether ^ EU: hra, Yes.and keep it llill.^ 
Leane on it fafbly , not a period- 
Shall be-unfaid for me 5 'againfl: the threats 
Of malice or of foreerie, or that power 
Which erring men call Chance,, this I hold ftme 5 
Vertue, maybe alTail'd , but never hurt , 
Surpriz'd by unjuft forte , but not enthrall'd , 
Yea even that which mifchiefe meantmoft harme^ 
Shall in the happietriallprove moftglorie^ 
But evillon it felfe (ballbacke recoyle 
And mixe no more with goodnelfe,wlien atlad 
Gaih€r'dlike fcum \ and fctl'dto it felfe. 

It 



(n) 

It fliall bee in eterfiall reftldTe change 

Selfe fed , and felfe confum'd, if this faile 

The pillar'd firmament is rottenneffe. 

And earths bafebuiic on ftubble. But come lct*s on 

Againfl th' oppofing will and armeof hcav'a 

May never this juft fword be lifted up^ 

But for that damn'd'magicianjlct him be girt 

"With all the greifly legions that troope 

Vndcr ihQ. footic:{[tLg of i^cherm , 

Uarppes and HjdrayyOtsSl the monftrous bugs 

'Twixc K^fma ^ and Inde^ lie find htm out 

And force him to reftore hispurchafe backe 

Or drag him by the curies , and cleavehis fcalpe- 

Bowne to the hipps. 

Spir. Alas good vehtrous youth, 
riove thy courage yet, -and bold Elnprife, 
But here thy fword can doe thee little flead, 
Farre other arms, and other weapons muft 
Be thofe that quell'the might of hcllifh charms. 
He with his bare wand can anthred thy joynts 
And crumble all thy iinewcs. 

Mld» Bro. Why pretbee fliepheard 
How durfl thou then thy felfe approach lo neere 
As to make this relation ^ 

Spiir^ Care and utmoft fhifts" 
How to fecure rloe Ladie fromfiirprifail 
Brought to my mind a ceriainellicpheard lad 
Of fmall regard to fceto^ yet well skill'd 
In every venoous plant , and healing lierbe 
Thatfpreds her verdant Icafe toth' mOtningray , 
He lov'd me well , and oft would beg me fing, 
Which when I did> he onthe tender graife 

D 3 Would 



( 22) 

Would fit, and hearken even to extafie ^ 
And in requital! ope I>is leathern fcrip, 
And (licw meiimples-ol^athou&nd names 
Telling theit ftrange, and vigorous fecukies^ 
Amongft the rdka fmall unfightlj root , 
But of divine effcd:^ hd cuU'dnttcoutj 
Theleafe was'darkkh^and hadprkkle^'onit ^ 
But in another Countiie ^ as he ^id , 
Bore a bright golden flowife , but not itithis foylc : 
Vnlcnowne,and like dbeni'd, and the dull fwaync 
Treads on it dayly with his doutcd fhoone. 
And yet more med'cinall k h: tlicn thai %j^ioly 
That Hirmes once to wife Vl^ffes gave. 
He called it H^meny , and gave it me 
And bad mc keepe itasof foveraincufe 
Gainft all inchafitments 5, mildew blaft^or damp 
Or gaftly furies apparition; 
I purft it up 5 but Httle reckoning made 
Till now that this extremity compell'd. 
But now I lind it triie , for by tfiis means 
I knew the foule inchanterthoiigh difguif d, 
Enter'd the very limetwigs of his fpells. 
And yet came QfiPjif you have this about you 
( As I vyill give you when wee goc) youmay 
Boldly affault the necromancers hall , 
Where if he be, with dauntleffe hardihood 
And brandifli't blade ruQi on him , breake his glafle , 
Andflied the lufhiousHquor on the ground 
But fcafc his waod , though he and hiscurft crew 
Fcirce figneof battailcmakeyand moiacc high. 
Or like the fons of ynhdnyorm fmoake , 
Yet will they foone retire , if he but flirinkc 

Eld: 



Eld, Bro, Th'^rfis lead on apace Ik follow thc^ 
And fomc good angell bearCa Iheiid before us. 

7 he Scene Changes to afiately pJacefa out with ail 
manner of delidonfniffe , [oft muficket tables [bred 
j\- it baU dainties* Comusappeayesmthhus rabble ^ 
and the Ladle fet in an inehanted chain io whom he 
ojfers hJsgUffe^ which pe ftttsh^^and goes about 
to rife, 

Comus, Nay Eadfe Ht 5 if I four ivavc this wand *, 
Your nervs are ali chained up in alablafters 
And you a ftatue 5 or as Daphne was 
Root bound that fled j^foHo^ 

La. Fooledoencrboaf!-, 
Thou c^nft not touch the freedomeofmy mind 
Withall thy charms^akhctsghthis corporall rind 
Thou haft imnsanacl'd , vyhile hcav'n fees good. 

Co, Whyarcyou vext Ladie^why doe you frowner 
Here dwell rjo frowns, ^nor anger, from thefe gates 
Sorrow flies far^re : fceliere beall the pleafurs 
That fancie'can beget on youthlul! thoughts 
When the frcOi blood grows lively, and returns 
Brisk fls the April buds in primrofe rcaibn. 
And firil behold this cordial Jiiiep he^c 
That Eames^'and dances in his cryftall bounds 
With fpiritsofbalmc, and fragrant fyropSTiiijit* 
Not that Nepenthes ivhich xhcmf^otThone 
1^ Algypt gave to I^tre borne Helena ^ 
Is offuch power to .ftirre up joy as this^ 
To life Co friendly, or focoolcto thirfl. 
Why Iliould you ©c fo cruell to your fel&j. 



(h) 

Afld to tbofe dalntie \imms wliich nature lent 
For gentle ufage ^ and foft delicacie i 
But you invert the cov'nantg of her trufl „ 
AQd harflily deale hkc anill borrower 
With that* which you received oa other termcs^ 
Scorning the unexcmpt condition. 
By which all mortall frailty mud fubfifi:, 
Refrefliment after toije, cafe after paine, 
That have been tir'd all day without repaft , 
And timely reft have wanted ^ but faire virgit^ 
This will reftore all foone* 

La. T'will not falfe traitor, 
T'wiirnot reftorethe truth and honeflie 
Thattliou haft banifli't from thy tongue with lies, 
Was this the cottage, and the /afe abode 
Thou told'ft me off what grim afpe(5h are thefe, 
Thefe ougly-headed monftersc* Mercie guard me I 
Hence with thy brewd inchantments foule deceiver. 
Haft thou betray 'd my credulous innocence 
With vifor'd falfhood , and bafe forgerie ^ 
And wouldft thou feek againe to trap me here 
With lickerifli baits fit to enfnare a brute i 
Were it a draft for IiW0 when fhe banquets 
I would nottaft thy treafonous offer; none 
But fueh as are good men can give good things, 
And that which is not good , is not delicious 
To a wel-govern'd and wife appetite. 

Co. O foolithneiftof men I thatJend their cares 
To thofe budge do(5lors of the Smck furre, 
And fetch their prsecepts from the Cymck tub, 
Praifing the leane, and fallow Abftinence. 
Wherefore didNaturepowre her bounties forth 

With 



( ay ) 

With fuch a foil atid unwithdiawlng hmd , 
Covering the earth witfi odours, fruits, and flocks 
Thronging the feas with (pawne innumerable 
But all to pleafe, and j&te the curious wft f 
And fct to work millions of fpinning worms, 
That in their green fhops weave the fmooth-hair'd fiik 
To deck her Sons, and that no comer might 
Be vacant of her plcntie, in her bwne loyfts 
She hurch't th'all worfhipt ore, and precious gems 
To ftore her children With 5 if, all the world 
Should^in a pet of temperance feed on Pulfe, 
Drink the clear ftreame, and nothing weare but FreizCj, 
Th'all-.giver would be unthaak't, would be unprais'd^ 
Not halfe his^iches knownj and yet defpis'd. 
And we fliould ferve him as a grudging mafter, 
Asa penurious niggard of his wealth , 
And live like Natures baftards, not her fons. 
Who would be quite furcharg'd with her own weight. 
And ftrangl'd with her waft fertilitie 5 ( plumes, 
Th'earth cumber'd , and the wing'd aire dark't with 
The heards would ovcr^inultitude their Lords , 
The fca ore-franght would (welJ , and th*unfbught<!ia- 
Would fo emblaze the forehead ofjEhe.Deep^ (mbrids 
And fo beftudde with ftars that they below 
Would grow inur'd to light, andcomeat laft 
To gaze upon the Sun with ^amelefs brows. 
Lift Ladie be not coy, and be not cofen'd 
With that fame-vauntdd' flame Virginitie, 
Beautie is natures coine, inuft hot be hoordecl, 
But muft be cijrrant, and the good thereof 
Confifts in rautuall and partaken bliffe, 
Vnfavourie in th'injoyment of it felfe 

E It 



If you lee flip time , like a negleded toCc 
It withers on the ftalke with languifli't head,. 
Beautie is natures brag , and muft be ^lownc 
In courts , at feafts , and high folcmnities 
Where mod may wonder at the workmanfliip-; 
It is fof homely features to keepe home. 
They had theirname thence j courfe complexions 
And cheeks of forrie graine willferve to ply 
The fampler, and to teize the hufwifes wooIL 
What need a vermeil-tindur'd lip for that 
Love- darting eyes, or u-efTes like the Morne 
There was another meaning in thcfe gifts c* 
Thinke what , and be adviz'd, you are but yong yeto 

L(i, I had not thought to have unlockt my lips 
In this unhallow'd aire, but that this Jugler 
Would thinke to charme my judgement, as mine eyes 
Obtruding falfe rules pranckt in reafons garbe.. 
I hate when vice can bolt her arguments 
And vcrtue has no tongue to check h^r pride : 
Impoltor doe not charge mod: innocent nature 
As if flie would her children fliould be riotous 
With her abundance, fhe good caterefic 
Means her provifion only to the good 
That live according to her fober laws 
And holy dictate of fpare Temperance , 
If every juft man that now pines with want 
Had but a moderate, and bed^eming {hare. 
Of that which Invdy-pamper'd Luxurie 
Now heaps upon fome few with vaft e^iceffc, 
Natures full blislBngs would be well difpenc't. 
In unfuperflaous even proportion^ 
And ibc no whit^ncombcr'd with her dorcj 



(ay) 

And then the giver would be better thank' t. 
His praife due paid, for fwinifli gluttony 
Ne're looks to hcav'n amidll his gorgeous feafl. 
Bat with befotted bafe ingratitude 
Cramms , and blafphcmes his feeder. Shall I goc on 1 
Or have I faid enough ^ to him that dares 
Arme his profane tongue with reproachful! words 
Againft the Sun- clad power of Chaftitie 
Faine would I fomething fay, yet to what ende 
Thou haft nor Eare , nor Soule to apprehend 
The fublime notion, and high myfterie 
That muft be utter'd to unfold the fage 
And ferious do<5lrine of Virginitie , 
And thou art worthy that thoU fhouldft not know 
More hapinefle then this thy prsefcnt lot. 
Enjoy your dcere Wit 5 and gayRhetorick 
That hath fo well beene taught her dazling fence ^ 
Thou art not fit to heare thy felfe convinc't j 
Yet fliould I trie, the uncoutrouled worth 
Of this purecaufe would kindle my rap't fpirits 
To fuch a flame of facrcd vehemence , 
That dumb things would be mov'dto fympathize. 
And the brute Earth would lend her nerves^and (hake, 
Till all thy m?gick ftrudlur^s rear d fo high 
Were fhatter'd into heaps ore thy falfehead, 
Co, She fables not, I fecle that I doe feare 
Her words fet off by fbme fuperior power , 
And though not mortal], yet a cold fhuddring dew 
Dips me all o' e, as when the wrath ot fove 
Speaks thunder, and the chaines o^Erehm 
To fomc of Saturus crew. I muft diilcmble. 
And try her yet more flron^ly. Comes no aiore, 

E 2 This 



28) 

This IS meere morall babble, and dlv^d" 
Againft the canon laws of our foundation 3 
I mud not fuffer this , yet 'tis but the lees 
And feelings of a melancholy blood 5 
But this will cure all (I reight, one fip of this 
"Will bathe the drooping fpirits in delight 
Beyond the blifTe of dreams. Be wife, and tafl. — 

The brothers rujh in with fwords drAvone , wreli his 
gl^ffe out of his hand y and breake it againft the 
ground 'y his rout nfakefigneofrefiffance, but are 
ail driven in 5 the attendant Spirit comes in. 

Spir* What, have you let the falfe enchanter fcape ? 
O yee miftooke, yee (hould have Inatcht his wand 
And bound him fart j without his rod rcvcrs't, 
And backward mutters of difTevering power 
Wee cannot free the Ladie that fit5 here 
In ftonie fetters fixt, and motionlefle 5 
Yet flay, be not difturb'd, now 1 bethinke me, 
Some other meancs I have which may be us'd. 
Which once of (J]4elib£m old I learnt 
The footheft /hcpheard that ere pipe'ton plains. 

There is a gentle nymph not farre from hence 
That with moift curb fways the fmooth Severn ftreani,^ 
Sabrina is her name , a virgin pure ^ 
Whilomc fiiee was the daughter of Z(?rr/W 5 
That had the fcepter from his. father Brute, 
She guiltleffe damfell flying the mad purfuitr 
Of her enraged {\epdzm,GuendfiIen .. 
Commended her faire innocence to the flood. 
That /lay'd her flight with his croflfe-flowin^ courfe. 

The 



(2P) 

The water Nymphs that in the bottome playd 
Held up their pearled wriftsand tooke her in , 
Bearing her flraite to aged Nereus hall 
Who piteous of her woes reatd her lanke head^ 
And gave her to his daughters to imbathe 
In ne^ar'd lavers ftrewd with afphodil , 
And through the porch, and inlet of each fcn^ 
Dropt in ambrofial oy les till (he reviv'd , 
And underwent a quicke ^ immortall change 
Made goddcfle of the river s ftill (heretaines 
Her maiden gentleneffe^ and oft at eve 
Vifits the heards along the twilight meadows, 
Helping all urchin blafts , and ill lucke fignes 
That the fhrewd mcdling elfe delights to make, 
Which fhe with precious viold hquors heales. 
For which the fliepheards at their feftivalls 
Carroll her goodneflc lowd in rufticke layes. 
And throw fweet garland wreaths into her ftreamc 
Of pancies, pinks, and gaudie daffadills. 
And, as the old Swaine faid, fhe.can unlocke 
The clafping charme, and thaw the numming fpell^ 
If fhe be right invok*t in warbled Song , 
For maidenhood fhe loves, and willbe fwift 
To aid a virgin fuch as was her (q\^c 
In hard befetting need , this will I trie 
Andaddc the power of fonie adjuring verfeo 

Ltften where thou art fitting 
ypd^nheglafsie , ^oole y tranjlucetft wMvi^ 
In twifted haids of lillies knitting 

E3 rhi 



(30) 

Theloofetraine oftly amkr-droppng hdn 9 
Lift c» for dcare honoars fake 
Ceddejfe of the fdver lake 

Ltjlen and [avs. 

Liftenand appcareto us" 
In name of g rear Oceams^ 
By tfi earth fhakfng Neptm's mace 
^ri6 leihjs grave majerticke pace, 
hy hozncNerevs wrincled Jooke , 
And the Carpathian wifards hooke , 
By fca lie Tritons w 1 nd 1 ng /hel 1 . 
And old footh faymg Glaucus fpell 5 
By LeucotLeds ovely handSj 
And her Ton that rules the flrands, 
By T^f/^tinfel- flipper d feet 5 
And the fongs o^ Sirens fweet , 
By c/ead rarthenope's dearc tomb, 
And fait e Ljgeas golden comb, 
Wherewith ihe fits on diamond rocks 
Sleeking her foftaliurmg locks , 
By all the Nymphs that m'ghtly dance 
Vponthy ftreams with wilie glance, 
Rife, rife and heave thy roHe head 
From thy coral-paven bed , 
And bridle in thy headlong wave 
Till thou our fummons anfvverd have. 

Liftcn and lave. 

Sabrtna rifes attended by rvater Nimpihes and fmgs, 

hy the rufnie fringed hartke, 

where growes the willow and the ofter dancke 

LMypding chart9tjlayes, 

Thick 



(51) 

Thicke fet with agat , and the azUfHi jheent 
Cfturkkii blew , and Emrould gncric 

That in the channelljlrayes, 
Whilfifrom ojf the waters fleet 
7 hus I fet my frwilejft feet 
Ore the eon^ips velvet head, 
Th^ bends not as I tread ^ 
Gentle fwaine at thy reqnejt 
I am here, 

Spir. Goddefle deare 
Wcc implore thy powertull hand 
To undoe the charm dband 
Of true virgin here diftreft. 
Through the force , and through the wHc 
Of unblcft inchanter vile. 

Sab, Shcpheard tis my office befl 
To helpe infnarcd chaftitic i 
Brighteft Ladielooke on me. 
Thus I fprinckle on thy breft 
Drops that from my fountaine pure 
I have kept of precious cure. 
Thrice upon thy hngerstip, 
Thrice upon thy rubied lip. 
Next this marble vcnom'd (cate 
Smear'd with gummes of glutenous heate 
I touch with chart palmes moift andcold. 
Now the fpell haih loft his hold. 
And I muft haft ere morning hourc 
To waitein x^mphitrite's bowrc. 



SahrhfA 



Sdrimdefcends andthe LadierlfcsMi 
ofherfcate, 

Spir, Virgin , daughter o^Loarirte 
Sprung of old itf»r^/^/ line 
May thy brimmed w^ves for this 
Their fijll tribute never miffe 
From a thoufand pettic rills ^ 
That tumble downe the fnowie hills : 
Summer drouth , or finged aire 
Never fcorch thy treflcs faire , 
Nor wet Odobers torrent flood 
Thy molten cryftallfill with mudde , 
May thy billowcs row le a llioare 
The beryll, and the golden ore. 
May thy loftie head be crowfi'd 
With many a to wer, and terrafle rounds 
And hercand there thy banks upon 
With groves of my rrh^^and cinnamon. 

Come Ladie while'heaven lends us grace , 
Letusflythiscurfed place. 
Left the forccrer us intice 
With fbme other new device. 
Not a waft, or needlefte found 
Till we come to holyer ground , 
I fliall be your faitlifuU guide 
Through this gloomic covert widc^ 
And not many furlongs thence- 
Is your Fathers refidencc , 
Where this night are met in ftatc 
Many <frcind to gratulate 

His 



<3n 

His wiih't prefencc ^and befide 
All the Swains that there abide , 
With liggSy and rurall dance refort^ 
Wee dial 1 catch them at their fport , 
And our fuddaine comming there 
Will double dl their mirth, and chere. 
Come let us haft the ftarrs are high 
But night fits monarch yet in the mid skic* 

T^e Scene changes frefenting Ludlow towne And tht 
Prefidents Cafk,thencsmctnCdmtrie dancer s^af^ 
ter them the amndam Spirit with the tm Brothen 
AndtheLadie^ 

Song. 

Spir# Backfhephe^trds^lack enough yonr fUj , 
Till next Sun-Jhine holiday , 
Here h without duck or nod. 
Other trippings to be trod 
of lighter toes, andfuch Coitrtgrnfe 
As Mercury did fir B devife 
With the mincing Dryades 
On the larvns , andtn the leas. 

This fccond Sof^ pr^fents them 

to their father and mother. 

Tsfohle Lord, and Lady Bright^ 
J have brought J ee new delight. 
Here behold fo goodlj grorvne, 
Three faire IranchesefyoHr owne , 
Heav'n hath timely tri'd their yomh , 
76dr faith, their patience , ^nd their trmh^ 

V And 



kt.«fC>^ 



(54) 
Andfent them heri through hard ajfap 
With A ctowm of-deathle^ePraife, 

To triumph in 'uieioriom dance 
Orefenfuati Folly, and Intemperance. 

The dances ended, the* Spnt fipilogizes^ 

Spr, To the Ocean now I' file , 
And thofe happie dimes that lie 
Where day never (huts his eye , 
Vp in the broad fields of the slcier 
There 1 fuck the liquid ayre 
All amidft the gardens faire 
Of Uej^erus , and his daughters three 
That fing about the golden tree. 
Along the cri(ped (hades , and bowres 
Reveils the fpruce ^nd jocond Spring, 
The Graces^ and the rofie-bofora'd Howres> 
Thither all their bounties bring , 
That there ieternall Summer dwells 
And weft winds, with muskie wing 
About the cedar'n dieys fling 
•Nard,, and Capa:s balmie fmells. 
Jris there wira humid bow 
Waters; the odorous banks that blow 
Flowers of more mingled hew 
Then her purfl'd fc^rfe can flicw. 
And drenches with Elyfmn dew 
(Lift mortalls, if your cares be true) 
Beds q{ Hyacinth, ^nd rofes ) 
Where young Adonis'^ repofeff^; 
Waxing well of his decpe wound 
la iliunBer fofr, ttd otxiheg^ound 

Sadly 



C55) 

Sadly fits il^AjfyrUn Queene ; 
But farrc above in fpangled (lieene 
Celeftiall Cupdhct Tani'dSonadvanc't, 
Holds his deare Ffyck fweet ihtranc't 
After her wandring labours long. 
Till free confent the gods among 
Make her his eternal! Bride ^ 
And from her faire unfpotted Me 
Two blifsfull twins are to be borne , 
Youth, and loyj fo love hath fworne. 

But now my taske is fmoothly done, 
1 can fly , or I can run 
Qjjickly to the grcene earths end , 
Where the bow'd welkin flow doth bcud. 
And from thence can foare as foone 
To the corners of the Moone, 

Mortalls that would follow m®. 
Love vertue^ fhe alone is free. 
She can teach yce how to clime 
Higher then the Sphserie chime 5 
Or if vertue feeble were 
Hcav'n it fclfc would ftoope to her. 



vtauttaanMuMHi^ 



The frinci^allprfom in this Maske 5 wen 
The Lord B r a c l y , -^ The Lady A l i cb 

M'. ThOM A S Eg E R T ON3 J EgeRTON. 



1 



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